Flash flood alert

GOVERNMENT officials in the Western Division were on high alert after a heavy rain and strong wind warning was issued by the Nadi weather office yesterday.

District officers in Nadi and Ba said they would continue to monitor river levels as heavy rainfalls continued to pour over the towns.

DO Nadi Peni Koro said while the situation was not critical, they would rely on weather reports to decide their next course of action.

"We are monitoring the situation and as we continue to receive weather reports, we will decide what to do next," he said.

DO Ba Alivereti Yabenisiga said heads of villages situated along the Ba River had been advised to alert authorities if they required assistance.

"They know what to do in situations like this," said Mr Yabenisiga.

"We encourage them to contact us and inform us of what is happening especially when it comes to the river level.

"They know when is the best time to secure their homes and ensure that all livestock are stored away properly."

He said headteachers were also alerted yesterday.

"Each school in Ba was informed of the situation and it was up to the headteachers to decide if they wanted to close the school and send their children home. They are the ones who know the situation at their schools and what places their children travel to."

Divisional education officer West Lorima Voravora said a directive was sent out to all schools in the Western Division to send home students who lived in flood prone areas.

He said the Ministry of Education did not want to take any risks by allowing children to travel through flooded paths or bridges.